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Five Minute Friday: Encouragement

It's Five Minute Friday when I link up with The Gypsy Mama. We receive a one word writing prompt and get to write for five minutes flat. Our word for this week is: ENCOURAGEMENT.

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What does encouragement feel like? I find it comes in many different ways.

A thumbs up for a job well done

A hug when I most need it

A kind word

A friend who prays with me

A written note with words of kindness

A comment after writing a blog post

Hearing the voice of my dad on the phone

A personal email from a blog friend I've never met

The voices of little children calling Miss Debbie

Watching four year olds play 'teacher'

I've received encouragement from others. And I love to encourage others. I pray that Heart Choices is a place people come to receive a word of encouragement.

Words matter. It often seems the ones that stick aren't always words of encouragement. I try to keep that in mind as I interact with both adults and children.

I remember the words of my pastor some years ago. We were asked to greet one another and welcome any who were new. Often people go through the cursory 'hi' and sit down. However, he shared a story of an older woman who once told him the only hug she receives each week is at church. I want to remember that and be mindful.

1 Thessalonians 5:11

New International Version (NIV)

11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Yes, the tiny everyday things can often be something precious to another.. and yet, often it is not necessarily the remembering to/thinking about encouraging someonethat is hard, but having the guts to do so. How strange it is that it takes guts to encourage!

I think that encouragement is one of the most important things there can be sometimes. It can keep you going when your ready to give up. It lightens a load sometimes that is too hard to lift. It can make you smile, warm your heart, and add purpose to your day. I love popping by here for little glimpses of encouragement which I thank you for. Enjoy your day!

Hallo Debbie, visiting from FmF today. Without encouragement from our online and real live friends we will not succeed. We realize our dreams with the help from others. Like Joan said, by encouraging others we are encouraged too. Full circle indeed.Ciao, Patricia

Wow Debbie, that comment about the older woman who only receives hugs is during that time really made me think. I'm sure there are many in her situation. I won't look at welcome and fellowship time the same.

Yes, you are such an encourager and I pray that I am as well. I have a heart for the younger woman especially and always want to encourage them as they plug along. I know several single Moms and their struggles are many and just a word of encouragement means so much to them. And, of course, your comment about the older woman and the hugs at church. That definitely resonates with me.........we have so, so many older women in our church and I know the hugs they get on Sunday are likely the only hugs they get all week. Great post Debbie!

Dear DebbieAllow me to add to your list something that truly encourages me; ears that really listens in silence and hears without offering any clever or well-meaning advice! This is sometimes very scarce!Luv XXMia

Deb, you are such an encourager! I relate to your list, and agree. Sensitivity, compassion and kindness are good gifts we can offer one another along the path. We never know what another may be struggling with, truly. Keep shining!

Hi Debbie! I know that you have encouraged me today by visiting my new blog home and welcoming me back to the 'blog world'. You make a good point that encouragement is what we are made for, because we are the Lord's, and he is the soul of encouragement. I hope that we can both be there for each other in the coming year.Blessings!Ceil